REFLEXOLOGY AND HEAD MASSAGE IN CHESTERFIELD, DERBYSHIRE
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology can be traced back as far as ancient Egypt. Throughout history India, Japan, China and North American Indians have all practised reflexology.
An initial form of the therapy came to the West from the 1500s and was further developed through the 1800s into the 1900s.
In the early 1900s Dr William Fitzgerald developed ‘Zone therapy’, believing that different reflex areas on the feet and hands were linked to corresponding areas and organs of the body within the same zone. Eunice Ingham made a tremendous contribution and is widely regarded as the ‘Mother of Reflexology’. She started developing her foot reflex theory in the early 1930s, working on reflexes and separating from Zone Therapy, determining that the reflexes on the feet were an exact mirror image of the organs of the body. She developed more accurate and precise mappings and an alternate pressure technique which stimulated healing, leading into what we recognise today as modern Reflexology.
Reflexology is a non-invasive, holistic complementary therapy. It works by treating the whole person, mind, body and spirit - we do not claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe. The organs, glands and body parts are mirrored onto the hands and feet, and by applying pressure to corresponding reflex points using fingers and thumbs with various techniques, it encourages the body to heal itself and maintain balance.
The effects of stress and tension can build up and contribute to how you feel physically and emotionally.
Reflexology is a deeply relaxing treatment, which can help to decrease stress and improve your overall wellbeing.
What to expect from having a Foot Reflexology treatment
The Treatment
Your first visit will be a little longer in time due to the need to do a full consultation; this can vary between 1½ and 2 hours – depending on how long we talk 😊
I can either email you the consultation form to complete and return prior to your first visit or you can complete it when you first arrive.
Completing the form helps me to gather as much information about you as possible so that I can get to know you, design a bespoke treatment plan and therefore treat you accordingly. It is also important for me to ensure that it is safe to treat you as there may be some contra-indications or cautions that we need to discuss first.
Subsequent Treatments
How many treatments you will need will depend on your condition, money and time, and each one will usually last around an hour.
We usually recommend 4-6 weekly treatments for maximum benefit and then re-assess. However, if you prefer monthly, a one-off treatment or even quarterly or yearly then that’s absolutely fine too – you will never be pushed into something you don’t want!
Everything we discuss is totally confidential and held in accordance with GDPR. At the end of the Consultation Form there is a GDPR Statement and Declaration for you to read and sign.
What happens during the treatment?
Once the consultation is over for foot reflexology, you will remove any socks etc. and I will get you settled into my extremely comfortable chair. This is a lay back chair which gives the ideal ‘Zero Gravity’ relaxation position, with your legs and torso forming a 127° angle, the perfect adjustment for relaxation.
You will be covered by a cosy blanket, as you will be laid still for 50-60 minutes, and your body temperature will naturally reduce.
I will begin by cleansing your feet with soft cloths and warm water, then begin by warming up each foot. The treatment itself will then begin, usually starting on your right foot with your left one wrapped snuggly in a small towel to keep warm, before moving onto your left foot.
When the treatment has finished, I will gently let you know we are all done and allow you to slowly come back from your deep relaxed state. Once seated upright you will be given a glass of water to drink to refresh and hydrate.
What will I experience?
People always ask – “will I feel anything?”. The answer is – everyone is different. Some people report a deep sense of relaxation and wellbeing, others report feeling ‘tingling’ feelings in their head or body, as well as other feelings. These are all perfectly normal and are signs your body is gently releasing any stresses and congestion.
Often people are worried that they are ticklish! I generally use my thumbs and fingers to ‘walk’ over or ‘circle’ over the reflex areas to determine if there are any imbalances. I can use a lighter or deeper pressure depending on what I find, and I also use a massaging technique over the feet and lower legs.
But all the techniques are totally different to tickling someone’s feet! Fundamentally these techniques aim to stimulate blood circulation, release tension and restore energy flow – releasing endorphins – the ‘feelgood’ hormones!
AFTERCARE ADVICE AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Aftercare is an essential part of reflexology, focusing on hydration, rest, gentle awareness and observation to help maximise the benefits of the treatment.
Aftercare recommendations include:
Drinking water. Adequate hydration aids in flushing any cellular/metabolic waste, reducing the likelihood of feeling fatigued or experiencing mild detox symptoms. Ideally you should aim to drink several glasses of water throughout the day after your session.
Rest and relaxation post-session. Reflexology can have a profoundly relaxing effect on the body and mind, so activities like heavy lifting, intense exercise, or high-stress engagements should ideally be avoided immediately after a treatment.
Reducing or refraining from caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine after a session. These stimulants can interfere with the body’s detoxification processes. Avoiding them can help prolong the benefits of the session and support a more sustained feeling of well-being. Occasionally some clients may experience a “healing reaction” following reflexology which can include feelings of tiredness, slight dizziness, or changes in mood. Physical symptoms may include temporary aches or increased frequency of urination; however such reactions often subside within 24-48 hours.
Reflexology is not only a physical treatment but also has mental and emotional benefits.
Engaging in breathing exercises, mindfulness, or meditation post-session can deepen the relaxation effects. Deep breathing helps in oxygenating the body thereby reducing stress further, and supporting a calm, balanced mental state. Meditation or mindful breathing can also help with the release of tension that a reflexology session may have brought to the surface.
You may notice subtle changes in pain levels, flexibility, or even energy.
Take note of any improvements or discomforts in your body post-session, as this information can be valuable for future treatments. By tracking these responses, I can tailor subsequent sessions to address ongoing or new issues more effectively.
Have regular treatments to help support long-term benefits - especially for those dealing with chronic issues or high stress.
Follow-up sessions are often recommended depending on your individual needs and goals, such as stress management, pain relief, or support with specific health conditions.
Get in touch
Contact me here if you would like to have a chat about Reflexology or Head Massage, ask about booking sessions or to purchase gift vouchers or gift sets.
Alternatively, you can call me on 07985 714286.
You can also check out my Facebook page.
“Reflexology: where wellness and relaxation intertwine..”
Unknown
“The feet are like a mirror, reflecting the state of the body and mind.”
Unknown
“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass - it's about learning to dance in the rain!”
Vivian Greene